Proof-press.



No. 856.123. PATENTED JUNE 4, 1 907.

c. WILLIAMS.

PROOF PRESS.

APPLIGATION FILED SEPT 23, 1904. RENEWED APR. 15, 1907.

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v winefififes N9. 856,123. v PATENTED JUNE 4, 1907. 0. WILLIAMS.

PROOF PRESS.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 23, 1904. RENEWED APR. 15. 1907.

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UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE.

CHARLES WILLIAMS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF THREE-FOURTHS TO WILLIAM H. COWLES AND ONE-EIGHTH TO JOHN F. YOUNG, OF

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON.

PROOF-PRESS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 4:, 1907.

To all whmn it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLEs IVILLrAMs, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illi nois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Proof-Presses, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to improvements in proof presses, and has particular reference to the provision of a proof press particularly adapted for use in multi-color work, although the press is not restricted to such use as it may be used for proof work generally.

The invention consists of the combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter particularly described and pointed out in the appended claims In order to disclose the nature of my invention, I annex hereto two sheets of drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the proof press, taken on the line a a of Fig. 2; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the proof press; Fig. 3 relates to a detail of the mechanism for releasing the cylinder gripper; Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the press looking in the direction of the arrow of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a section on the line 6-1) of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a diametrical section of the impression cylinder; Fig. 7 is a section on the line cc of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 illustrates a fragment of the impression cylinder; and Fig. 9 is a section, on an enlarged scale, on the line dd of Fig. 7.

The frame of the press may be of any suit able construction and arrangement. That illustrated in the present embodiment of the invention consists of parallel side rails 10 provided at the upper edges with racks 11.

' he side rails 10 are connected and stayed by cross rods 12, and supported by suitable legs 13. Mounted upon the frame is a bed plate, or, as shown in the present instance, a plurality of bed plates 14, three of such bed plates being shown. Projecting inwardly from the side rails 10 are lugs provided with threaded apertures up through which pass adjusting screws 16. The bed plates rest on these screws and the lugs 15 are arranged in opposite pairs and so spaced apart that each set of screws supports the associated bed plate 14 near the corners of the latter. By adjusting the screws 16 the bed plates may be raised or lowered as may be necessary to attain the desired precise adjustment. In order to hold the bed plates firmly on the screws, suitable contractile springs 17 are provided, the upper ends engaging eyes 18 on the under faces of the bed plates while the lower ends are attached to fingers 19 on the side bars 10, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. An upstanding stop strip 20 is provided at one end of each of the bed plates 14, being secured thereto in the present instance by screws 21, and the opposite ends of such strip are beveled inwardly toward its associated bed plate, as shown in Fig. 2. The opposite end of the bed plate is provided with upstanding spring fingers 22. Each chase 23 at one end is provided with a recess 24, complementary to the strip 20 and which seats the said strip 20 when the chase containing the matter from which the proof is to be taken is placed on the bed plate, the end of the chase opposite the recess 24 being engaged and held by the spring fingers 22.

For taking proof I provide an impression cylinder adapted to contain a supply of paper and provided with a gripper for holding the paper about the cylinder while the latter is being run over the forms mounted on the bed plates 14. This cylinder is clearly shown in Figs. 6 to 9, inclusive. The cylinder, designated 25, which is provided with the usual covering 26 of rubber or other suitable material, has its ends closed by pinions 27 28, adapted to engage and run along the racks 11. Each of such pinions is provided with an inwardly extending'concentric flange 29, to which the cylinder is secured, as by means of screws 30. A rod 31 extends into the cylinder 25 coaxial therewith, and is provided at one end with a plug 32 seated in a recess in the inner face of the pinion 27, the opposite end of rod passing through a suitable axial opening in the pinion 28. A rod 33 which is practically an extension of the rod 31, passes through a suitable opening in the pinion 27 and is provided with a head 34 which is seated in the recess of the pinion 27 between the plug 32 and the bottom of such recess. the pinion 28 is a plug 35. The plugs 32 and 35 are conical, as shown, and extend into the open ends of a sleeve 36 concentric with the Screwed upon the rod 31 adjacent ends of the slot 40.

rod 31, such sleeve being loosely journaled or mounted on the said plugs. Disks 37 are mounted on the rods 31 and 33 beyond the pinions 27 and 28. These disks are designed to engage the outer faces of the racks 11 in order to guide the cylinder and prevent longitudinal movement of the same. WVeighted members 38, taking the form of metal or other suitable rolls, are secured on the rods, 31, 33, and clamped thereon by means of handles 39 screwing upon the threaded ends of the said rods and also clamping the disks 37 between the rolls 38 and the pinions. The weighted rolls 38 serve to press the cylinder with the necessary presure upon the type forms.

- The cylinder is provided with a longitudinal slot 40 in which is located an antifriction roller 41 suitably journaled at its ends in ears 42 formed on the cylinder at the Extending upwardly from the cylinder beyond the ends of the slot 40 are pins 43 located substantially on the same line as the roller 41. Sliding on these pins is a clamp plate 44, provided at its ends with suitable openings to receive the pins 43, and the ends of such plate are deflected upwardly, as shown in Fig. 7, the central portion co-operating with the roller 41. The under face of the clamp 44 is preferably pro vided with a strip 45 of rubber or the like. Extending upwardly from the cylinder near its ends are studs 46, and slidably mounted on these studs radially with regard to the cylinder, is a gripper which takes the form of a plate 47. The under face of the gripper 47 at one edge overhangs the cylinder at one side of the slot 40, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9 and this overhanging edge is provided on its under face with a strip 48 of suitable yielding material such as rubber, felt or the like. The

a knife edge 49. The gripper between the studs 46 and the knife edge is provided with suitable apertures through which the pins 43 pass, the studs 46 and pins 43 serving to guide and steady the clamping plate as it moves radially with regard to the cylinder, as hereinafter explained. The studs 46 are provided with shoulders, which may take the forms of nuts 50, and reacting between such nuts and the gripper 47 and coiled about the studs 46 are expansion springs 51 which tend to press the gripper firmly against the cylinder. Coiled about the pins 43 and located between the gripper and the clamp 44 are coiled expansion springs 52 the function of which is to press the clamp against the roller 41. Fixed to the gripper 47 are headed projections 53, two of such projections being shown and located adjacent the opposite ends of the gripper.

By unscrewing the handle 39 adjacent the pinion 27, removing the roll 38 associated therewith, and then removing the screws 30 securing the cylinder to the pinion 27, the sleeve 31 may be withdrawn, and the roll 54 of paper sleeved thereon, the parts then being reassembled. The paper is drawn from the roll and passed between the roller 41 and the clamp 44 and is then carried around the cylinder and passed between the gripper 47 and the clamp 44, as at 55. In case paper should. unwind from the roll it is prevented from feeding out of the cylinder by reason of the clamp 44, while at the same time the paper encircling the cylinder is held snugly against the same by the grip er 47.

It is obvious that the proo taking cylinder herein described may be employed for taking proof in the usual manner, and that it may be used with a single bed 14 instead of a plurality. It is, however, particularly useful for taking proofs in multi-color work and I have therefore illustrated the same as embodied in a proof press for such purpose, and for taking impressions from three forms. The bed plates 14 must be adjusted into the precise relations of the bed plates of the multi-color press. In other words, the forms from which the proof is to be taken must be in exactly the same relation as when associated with the multi-color press, and the cylinder is of such size or diameter as to take the three impressions in exact register when the forms carried by the bed plates 14 are in their exact positions and the type in register.

A suitable length or strip of paper having been drawn from the roll and being held by the clamp 44 and the gripper 47 the cylinder is run over the three forms in an obvious manner,the rolls 38 pressing the cylinder upon the type and the cooperating racks and pinions preventing any deviation of the cylinder from its proper course or slippage thereof. The clamp 44 and the gripper 47 are then released and the proof sheet is unwound from the cylinder and severed by the knife edge 49; and as such proof sheet is unwound another length is drawn out' from the roll, and the clamp and gripper having been released it is securely held in position for taking another impression or proof, the arrangement being such that impressions may be taken as the cylinder travels over the beds in either direction.

Any suitable means may be employed for releasing the gripper 47 A convenient device for this purpose is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. One of such devices is located at each end of the machine and adapted to co-operate with the gripper as the cylinder reaches such end. Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, 56 indicates a transverse shaft suitably journaled at its ends on the frame at one end of the latter. Passing loosely through diametrical openings in such shaft are rods 57 each of which is provided at its upper end with a bifurcated gripping finger or claw 58. Coiled about the rods 57 and re acting between the shaft 56 and the shoulders 59 at the ends of the rods 57 are expansion springs 60 which normally tend to press the gripping fingers 58 radially away from the shaft 56. The opposite ends of the rods 57 are connected by a cross piece 61, to which is pivotally connected the upper end of a link 62, whose lower end is pivotally attached to a suitable treadle 63. The treadle 63 is fixed on a cross shaft 64 suitably journaled at its ends on the legs 13 at the end of the machine. A contractile spring 65, the lower end of which is attached to the treadle 63 while its other end is anchored to one of the legs 13, normally tends to elevate the treadle 63 and maintain the gripping fingers 58 in their lowered inactive positions. The gripping fingers 58 are spaced apart the same distance as the headed projections 53. Suitably secured to the frame at the ends of the rack bars 11 adjacent the shaft 56, are stops 66. These stops are so positioned that when engaged by the cylinder as the latter reaches the end of its movement the projections 53 are in such position as to be in the path of the .grippers 58 when the shaft 56 is rocked, that is to say they are turned downwardly in the position shown in Fig. 1. By pressing on the treadle 63 the gripping fingers are first moved to the position shown in Fig. 3 and then as the pressure on the treadle 63 is continued the rods 57 slide through the shaft 56 against the resistance of the springs 60 and the gripping fingers being engaged with the projections 53 the gripper is moved outwardly thereby releasing the paper and at the same time permitting the springs 52 to expand and release the clamp 44. The free end of the sheet may now be unwound from the cylinder, being drawn off outwardly or away from the end of the press and then torn off against the knife edge 49. A clip or other suitable tool may be employed to catch hold of the end 55 of the paper and of course as one sheet is unwound another takes its place and the treadle 63 having been released the cylinder gripper engages the new sheet to hold the same. The gripper operating device at the opposite end of the press differs slightly from that heretofore described, the releasing fingers being reversed or located over the cylinder so as to engage the projections when the cylinder is in such position as to permit of the paper being unwound or pulled off the cylinder outwardly or away from the end of the press. In other words, at the opposite end of the press in order to draw the paper from the cylinder outwardly beyond the end of the press .it is necessary to have the cylinder with the gripper above, the cutting edge 49 then being toward the end of the press asit was when the cylinder was at the end provided with the gripping fingers 58. To this end a pair of bifurcated gripping fingers 67 are mounted upon a rock shaft 68,

A stop 75 secured to one end of one extension 69 is engaged by an arm 76 fixed on the shaft 68 and serves to hold the said shaft in such position that as the cylinder reaches the end of its movement and is arrested by the stops 70 the projections 53 on the gripper 47 move into an engagement with the fingers 67. After the headed studs thus engage the gripping fingers 67, pressure on the treadle 73 turns the shaft 68, and, through the medium of the gripping fingers 67, moves the gripper 47 outward radially releasing the proof sheet so that it may be drawn off the cylinder in the same manner as heretofore described.

Having described my invention what I claim is 1. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow cylinder adapted to contain a supply of paper, of a gripper cooperating with the cylinder for holding about the latter a strip of paper drawn from the cylinder.

2. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow cylinder adapted to contain a roll of paper and having a slot through which paper from the roll passes, and a spring pressed gripper to engage the end of the paper to hold the latter about the cylinder.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow cylinder provided with a roll carrying sleeve located therein and having a longitudinal slot through which paper from the roll passes, a clamp for engaging the paper at the point where it passes out of the hollow cylinder, and a spring pressed gripper for engaging the free end of the paper after it passes around the cylinder.

4. In a printing press, the combination with a stationary bed, of a hollow impression cylinder provided with means for carrying a roll of paper therein, and a gripper engaging the free end of the paper to hold the latter about the cylinder.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow cylinder adapted to contain a supply of paper and having a slot, a roller at the slot, a spring pressed. clamp cooperating with the roller, and a spring pressed gripper-plate engaging the cylinder at one side of the slot.

6. In a device of the class described, the, combination with a hollow cylinder adapted to contain a supply of paper and having a longitudinal slot, a roller at the slot, a slid able clamp plate operating with the roller, studs on the cylinder, a spring pressed gripperplate slidably mounted on the studs and engaging the cylinder at one side of the slot, and springs reacting between the clamp and gripper plates.

7. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow paper containing cylinder having a slot, of a gripper adjacent the slot and co-operating with the cylinder and having a knife edge.

8. In a device of the class described, the

combination with a hollow cylinder having a slot, of a spring pressed clamp at the slot, a gripper plate over the clamp cQ-operating at one edge with the cylinder at one side of the slot and having a knife edge at its opposite edge.

9. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow cylinder having a slot, ends closing the cylinder, and a rod in the cylinderloosely engaging the removable end and mounted on the other end.

10. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow cylinder having a slot, ends closing the cylinder and one of which is removable, a rod located in the cylinder loosely engaging the removable end and passing through the other end,,and a rod in extension of the first rod carried by the removable end.

11. In a device of the class described, the combination with a hollow cylinder having a slot, pinions closing the ends of the cylinder and one of which is removable and provided with an inner recess, a rod passing through the other pinion and entering the recess, a rod in extension of the first rod and mounted on the removable pinion, disks and weighted rolls on the ends of the rods, handles adapted to the ends of the rods and securing the disks and rolls in position, and a sleeve on the rod in the cylinder.

12. In a printing press, the combination with a stationary bed, of a hollow impression cylinder adapted to contain a roll of paper and having a slot through which the paper passes from the roll, of a gripper engaging the end of the paper to hold the latter about the cylinder, and a gripper releaser.

13. In a printing press, the combination with a frame, a bed, an impression cylinder movable over the bed and provided with a gripper, gripping fingers at the end of the frame to release the gripper, and connections for actuating the gripping fingers.

14. In a printing press, the combination with a stationary bed, of a hollow cylinder provided with means for carrying a roll of paper and having a slot through which the paper from the cylinder passes, a clamp for engaging the paper at a point where it passes out of the cylinder, a spring pressed gripper to engage the free end of the paper to hold the latter on the cylinder, and means for releasing the gripper.

15. In a printing press, the combination with a stationary bed, of a hollow cylinder provided with means for carrying a roll of paper and having a slot through which the paper passes from the cylinder, a spring pressed gripper to hold the paper on the cylinder, a pair of fingers to engage the gripper to release the paper, and a connection for operating the fingers.

16. In a printing press, the combination with a plurality of stationary beds, of a hollow cylinder movable over the beds and adapted to contain aroll of paper, and a gripper for holding a strip of paper drawn from the roll about the cylinder.

17. In a printing press, the combination with a plurality of equi-distant stationary beds, of a hollow cylinder adapted to be moved over the beds and provided with means therein for carrying a roll of paper, and a spring pressed gripper for holding a strip of paper drawn from the roll about the cylinder.

18. In a printing press, the combination with a plurality of equi-distant stationary beds, of a hollow cylinder adapted to be moved over the beds and provided with means therein for carrying a roll of paper and a slot through which such paper passes from the roll, a clamp for holding the paper at the point where it passes out of the cylinder, and a spring pressed gripper engaging the free end of the paper. I

19. In a printing press, the combination with a chase supporting bed, means for adjusting the bed, and springs acting in opposition to the adjusting means.

20. In a printing press, the combination with'a frame, a bed, adjusting screws on v which the bed rests, and springs acting in opposition to the screws.

21. In a printing press, the combination with a frame, a plurality of equi-distant beds, adjusting screws by which the beds are carried, springs for holding the beds against the screws, of a cylinder adapted to be moved over the beds and provided with a clamp and a gripper for holding the paper about the cylinder.

22. In a printing press, the combination with. a frame, a bed, an impression cylinder movable over the bed and provided with a gripper and a clamp, a rock shaft provided with gripping fingers for releasing the gripper and clamp, and a connection for rocking the shaft.

23. In a printing press, the combination with a frame, a plurality of equi-distant beds mounted thereon, of a hollow cylinder adapted to be moved over the beds and provided with means thereon for carrying a roll of paper and a slot through. which such paper passes from the roll, a clamp for holding the paper at the point where it passes out of the cylinder, a spring pressed gripper engaging the free end of the paper to hold the latter about the cylinder, means located at opposite ends of the frame adapted to co-operate With the gripper to release the paper, and connections for operating such means.

24. In a printing press, the combination with a frame provided with parallel racks, a plurality of equi-distant beds mounted on the frame, of a cylinder provided With pinions co-operating with the racks, a gripper carried by the cylinder, and having headed i, projections thereon, gripping fingers located 2 at opposite ends of the frame and adapted to l engage the projections to release the gripper,

,a rock shaft at each end of the frame by Which the gripping fingers thereat are carried, and a connection to turn each rock I: shaft.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

CHARLES WILLIAMS. WVitnesses ARTHUR B. SEIBoLD, ELIZABETH MOLITOR. 

